Canadian Senate Celebrates Nigerian Entertainment: Burna Boy and Nollywood's Global Impact
louis Buyisiwe
Apr 19, 2024
The Canadian Senate recently highlighted the significant growth and international influence of Nigeria's entertainment sectors, particularly focusing on Afrobeats and the film industry. High-profile discussions centered around the success of Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and the expansive reach of Nollywood.
Marcel Lebleu, Director General of the West And Central African Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, praised Burna Boy's achievements as a touring artist.
He notably recognized the singer's historical success at Montreal's Bell Centre, where Burna Boy became the first African artist to sell out back-to-back shows. According to Lebleu, Burna Boy drew impressive crowds of approximately 35,000 attendees over two nights.
He also highlighted the singer's performances in Toronto, emphasizing the cultural and economic importance of the entertainment industry.
Senator Peter Boehm, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, shared his personal admiration for Burna Boy, stating that he recently enjoyed the artist's music. Senator Boehm's enthusiasm for Burna Boy was also echoed on social media, where he expressed his admiration for the album "Twice as Tall."
“He was also in Toronto. We don’t think about the culture industry a lot but this is an important industry. For example, Nollywood.” Senator Peter Boehm, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, shared his personal engagement, noting, “Just the other evening, I was enjoying some of Burna Boy’s music.”
The Canadian Senate discussion also brought attention to Nollywood, Nigeria's booming film industry, which has gained international acclaim and a global audience. The industry's significant contributions to cultural exchange and economic growth were highlighted as key factors in its global success.
The acknowledgment by the Canadian Senate of Nigeria's influential entertainment sectors underscores the global resonance of African culture and its impact on international markets. This recognition not only boosts the visibility of artists like Burna Boy and industries like Nollywood but also fosters cultural connections between Canada and Nigeria.